Distraction

There are three basic types of distraction:

• Visual - things that make drivers look away from or at irrelevant aspects of the road/traffic
• Cognitive – things that make the driver’s think about something other than the driving task
• Manual – things that make drivers take their hands off the wheel or carry out tasks not related to the driving task.

Often all three types are involved, for instance when drivers talk or text with hand-held mobile phones.

Distraction is a growing safety problem in road traffic due to the widespread use of electronic “nomadic” devices by drivers. Driver distraction is involved in between 20 and 30 % of road collisions. Most recent research has focused on the safety implications of mobile phone use. Studies show that using a mobile phone while driving affects performance in the same way that a blood alcohol level of 0.08 % does, and that mobile phone use – whether hand-held or hands-free  –is associated with a four-fold increase in the risk of crash involvement. Using a hands-free mobile does not reduce the risks significantly because the risk factor involved when using mobile phones is mainly caused by the mental distraction involved.

Navigation devices must also be considered as a possible in-vehicle distraction for work-related driving, but may also have safety benefits. Modern devices may give real-time data that make it possible to receive and job-relevant information and instruction during driving. They may also give traffic information and have safety features (speed information, safety reminders etc.). Research reveals that navigation and information systems can improve safety, allowing for a more relaxed driving style and provide opportunities to better plan when and where to have breaks.

The risk of using mobile phones is generally not recognized by drivers. This applies particularly to hands-free mobile. It is thus important that employers to take action to reduce phone use and other distracting in-vehicle devices. Guidelines and advice are provided by European Transport Safety Council and the UK’s Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents.